HOT NEWS – October 16, 2006

October 16, 2006

Arctic Cat recalls 50,500 snowmobiles
Arctic Cat Inc. has recalled about 50,500 snowmobiles after the company received 42 reports relating to loss of steering control and subsequently found that the steering shaft used on certain 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 units can fail at the steering shaft/steering arm attachment.
Manufactured in Thief River Falls, Minn., and sold at Arctic Cat dealerships worldwide from May 2001 through April for between $6,500 and $9,000, the recalled units include:

All 2006 Crossfire 600/700, Firecat 500/600/700, Firecat 700 Sno Pro, Sabercat 500/600/700, and all M-Series.
While no injuries have been reported, consumers are asked to stop using the recalled snowmobiles immediately. Registered owners have been notified about the recall by mail and asked to contact their local Arctic Cat snowmobile dealer to schedule a free repair.AMA Events Receive New Insurance Program
Effective Oct. 1, participant legal liability insurance for AMA-sanctioned events will be offered through Wisenberg Motorsports, a division of Acordia of Texas, and provided by ACE American Insurance Company. The move replaces broker Naughton Insurance.
Wisenberg Motorsports is the country’s largest motorsports insurance agency, working with NHRA, IHRA, SCCA and other motorsports organizations. ACE American Insurance Company, the insurance carrier, is rated A-plus by AM Best Company.
The AMA sanctions more than 4,000 events annually through more than 1,200 AMA-chartered organizations.
“As the world’s largest motorsports-sanctioning body, the AMA knows the importance of cost-effective insurance coverage,” said Patricia DiPietro, AMA’s CEO. “The AMA made the decision to replace Naughton Insurance, with which we’ve had a great business relationship, only after a long and thorough search.”Intermot USA Pavilion to Host 50-plus Firms
More than 50 U.S.-based companies were scheduled to showcase products at Intermot, the international motorcycle and scooter trade fair that was held Oct. 11-15 in Cologne, Germany.
U.S.-based vehicle suppliers scheduled to attend include Harley-Davidson, Polaris Industries, Carter Brothers Mfg., Dazon, LS Motor Sports LLC, Global Moto LLC and Mod Cycles Corp.
Aftermarket parts and accessories suppliers scheduled to attend include AFX North America, Inc., Gears Canada Corp., Action Fours, Inc., AIRHAWK, Inc., All Balls Racing Products, Balboa Mfg. Co. LLC, Cobra Engineering, Inc., Cruzin Cooler LLC, Drag Specialties, Dragonfly Clothing, Inc., EK Chain-Kayo Corp., Electrosport Industries and Modern World Ventures-Suomy.
Also scheduled for booth space are Genuine Innovations, Handy Industries, LLC, Hot Toppers, Inc., J&M Corp., Thrill Ride Sports, Inc., Kimpex, Inc., Motorsport Products, One Industries LLC, Pivot Works/Hot Cams, SuperTrapp, Symtec, Inc., Thor MX, Tire Ball Development Co., Trail Tech, Inc. and Zhejiang Product Co. Ltd.
Be sure to read the next issue of Powersports Business for a complete report on Intermot.ORBA to Hold Off-Road Show in March
The Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) will hold an off-road show at Barona Casino’s Convention Center in San Diego County on March 24-25. This will be the first off-road show in California to be promoted by a nonprofit trade association.
All proceeds will be used by ORBA to further its efforts to protect and promote the motorized off-road recreation industry.
An entire hall at the convention center will be reserved for dealers and aftermarket suppliers of Yamaha Rhino products.
“We are excited about the fact that an entire building will highlight our super-successful Rhino,” Yamaha’s Mike Schmitt said in a press release. “This has not been done before, that I know of.”
The second title sponsor for the show will be Championship Off Road Racing (CORR). Vehicles from the various classes that race at CORR events are planned to be on display along with famous off-road racers, who will be signing autographs.
Other sponsors for the show include Cycle Parts West, Pro Comp Suspension, Alba Action Sports and Off Road Warehouse.
Information about the show will be posted on ORBA’s Web site at www.orba.biz as it develops. PSB
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